Grassroots Action Center
Contact your congressional representatives today to support H.R. 879, The Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act. This bipartisan legislation directly affects counselors’ ability to serve Medicare clients.
The Situation
The 2.8% Medicare provider payment cut that took effect Jan. 1, 2025, represents the fifth consecutive year of reductions. When accounting for medical practice inflation, providers face an effective 6.3% reduction in payments. For counselors who recently gained Medicare provider status, these cuts threaten the viability of serving Medicare clients.
Potential Impact on Mental Health Counselors
- reduced reimbursement rates that could affect practice sustainability
- limited ability to accept new Medicare clients
- barriers to care for rural and underserved communities and for older adults
The Legislation
H.R. 879 would:
- stop the 2.8% payment cut through Dec. 31, 2025.
- provide a 2% inflation adjustment.
- help stabilize Medicare reimbursement rates.
- support continued access to mental health services.
Why It Matters
Counselors have only recently gained Medicare provider status, making stable reimbursement rates crucial for building and maintaining Medicare practices. Over the past two decades, Medicare payment rates have declined when adjusted for practice costs, making it difficult to serve these vulnerable populations.
Take Action Now
- Contact your representatives.
- Request their support of H.R. 879.
- Share how Medicare cuts affect your practice and clients.
- Emphasize the importance of mental health access for older adults.
Congress is working on a March legislative package that must pass before March 14. The time to act is now to ensure this critical legislation is included.
